Special Interest Group

Psychology for Improvement

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About this group

A fundamental principle of improvement science is to understand & influence human behaviour (Dr William Deming). Indeed, an understanding of the psychological factors underpinning human behaviour makes up one quarter of Deming’s system of profound knowledge.  However, despite this, improvement literature and training often focuses on its technical aspects, neglecting its psychological or ‘people’ factors.  In contrast, it has been said that the success of improvement projects in healthcare are even more subject to these factors, being only “20% technical and 80% human” (Dr Margie Godfrey).

However, excellent knowledge and skills exist within quality improvement (QI) organisations which capitalise on psychological theory and practice. This special interest group is intended to be a forum where people can share the good work that they and their colleagues have been doing to improve the profile of psychological knowledge in the field of QI

The group is convened by Rachel Trask, Anna Burhouse and Fredrik Johansson

Please contact samuel.thornton@wales.nhs.uk for further information and enquiries relating to this group.

Profile photo of Rachel Trask

This group is convened by Rachel Trask

Active members

  • Photo of Sharon Skee Harrison
  • Photo of Jennie Williams
  • Photo of Isabel Ho
  • Photo of Maria Dorthea Skov
  • Photo of Joriam Ramos
  • Photo of Louis Faber
  • Photo of Liz Watson
  • Photo of Andrew Ware

Blog

Charlie Jones

Psychology 4 Improvement: Aiming for 20% technical and 80% human

Charlie Jones • 22 Feb 2022 • 0 comment

Psychology 4 Improvement (P4I) is a Q Exchange funded project aimed at developing an interdisciplinary approach to health care improvement. Q member, Charlie Jones shares the latest iteration of the project’s logo and how it illustrates the journey the team has been on, working together towards a shared purpose.

Blog

Rachel Trask

Taking a psychologically informed approach to quality improvement

Rachel Trask • 16 Dec 2021 • 0 comment

As part of the Q Exchange funding programme, Q Members Rachel Trask and Benna Waites have been involved in a project looking at psychology and quality improvement. Here they share their discoveries, insights, and challenges, along with a set of co-produced knowledge and resources about the human aspect of quality improvement.